With the hustle and bustle of modern life, it can be very hard to slow down and breathe. All of us are moving at hyper-speed, in a rush, always late, and typically overwhelmed. This kind of lifestyle has many consequences, both physically and emotionally. It can affect your health, your family, your job, and definitely your mental acuity.
It’s so important to realize that all of this busyness is not nearly as productive as we might think. So it’s time to slow down, sister! It’s imperative that you stop for a moment and think about where and how you can take a little time each day to give yourself the gift of being in the moment.
We each have our own unique way of finding a little Zen amidst all the chaos. It may be as simple as walking outside for a few minutes and watching the wind blowing through the grass or a butterfly fluttering by. It might mean taking an extra twenty minutes at the end of your day and taking a hot bath where you can sink in and enjoy the warmth of the water penetrating your tired muscles. Or you might be a little more enlightened than most of us and already have a meditation practice in place. If you do, I say “kudos” to you!
The point is to take a little time each and every day to stop and look around at your life. Think about the good things going on; whatever you have around you that you find beautiful and real. Maybe you have colorful flowers growing in your backyard, or a wonderful relationship with your spouse. You may be a fantastic cook and have the ability to make healthy, nutritious meals for your family. Or you may have a knack for playing piano or guitar. If not, you can always pick up your iPod or smartphone and play something that makes you smile. Music is a wonderful way to get into the moment and create something beautiful.
Mindfulness means paying attention to when you feel your mind racing and your blood pressure rising; when you suddenly feel panicky and forgetful – all at the same time. Pay attention, be aware that it is happening, and choose to do something about it. Slow down, so you don’t let your life pass you by. As Amit Ray once said, “Life is a dance. Mindfulness is the act of witnessing that dance.” So please dance to your heart’s content, just don’t forget to pay attention to the music playing in the background.
